Food Thickeners Market by Type (Starch-Based Thickeners, Gelatin-Based Thickeners, Gums & Resins, Agar-Agar, Pectin, Xanthan Gum), by Source (Plant-Based, Animal-Based), by Application (Dairy Products, Beverages, Sauces & Dressings, Soups & Broths, Others), by End-Use Industry (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals); Global Insights & Forecast (2024 - 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Food Thickeners Market was valued at USD 11.6 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 18.5 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2024 - 2030.

The global food thickeners market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing demand for convenience foods, evolving dietary preferences, and the need for enhanced food textures. Food thickeners are used in a wide array of products, including sauces, soups, dairy products, and beverages, to improve consistency, stability, and mouthfeel. With rising consumer interest in clean-label products, natural and plant-based thickeners are becoming particularly popular, catering to health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions. As a result, the food thickeners market is expanding rapidly, with innovations in ingredient formulations and diverse applications across the food and beverage industry.

Starch-Based Thickeners Segment is Largest Owing to Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness

The starch-based thickeners segment holds the largest share in the food thickeners market. Starch is widely used in both food and beverage applications due to its cost-effectiveness, availability, and functional versatility. Derived from various sources like corn, wheat, and potatoes, starch-based thickeners are essential for providing structure and texture to a wide range of food products. Their ability to form gels and emulsions makes them ideal for thickening soups, sauces, gravies, and beverages. Furthermore, starch thickeners offer the added benefit of being relatively inexpensive, which makes them popular among food manufacturers looking to optimize production costs.

The versatility of starch in terms of functional properties has contributed to its dominance in the market. It provides thickening without compromising taste and is widely used in both home cooking and large-scale food processing. This broad applicability and ease of use have made starch-based thickeners a preferred choice in the industry, especially for processed foods and ready-to-eat meals.

Gelatin-Based Thickeners Segment is Fastest Growing Owing to Increasing Demand for Natural Ingredients

The gelatin-based thickeners segment is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by the rising demand for natural and clean-label ingredients. Gelatin, a protein-based thickener derived from animal collagen, is widely used in the production of jellies, gummy candies, desserts, and marshmallows, which are increasingly popular among consumers. The growing interest in gelatin is tied to its ability to provide desirable textures in various food products, especially in confectionery and dessert applications.

With increasing health-consciousness and the shift towards natural ingredients, consumers are seeking alternatives to synthetic additives, which is fostering the demand for gelatin-based thickeners. Moreover, gelatin has applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, further contributing to its market growth. The rise of sugar-free and low-calorie products, along with the trend toward gelatin-based supplements, is expected to sustain the growth of this segment.

Dairy Products Segment is Largest Application Owing to Demand for Creamy Textures

The dairy products segment is the largest application segment for food thickeners, driven by the growing consumer preference for creamy textures in products such as yogurt, ice cream, and milkshakes. Thickeners are essential in dairy production as they enhance texture, stability, and viscosity, improving the overall quality of dairy-based products. Additionally, thickeners such as xanthan gum and pectin are used in dairy alternatives, such as plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurts, to mimic the creaminess and mouthfeel of traditional dairy.

As consumers continue to embrace dairy products that are rich in texture and flavor, the demand for food thickeners in this segment is expected to rise. Furthermore, the growing trend of lactose-free, low-fat, and organic dairy products is also contributing to the increasing use of thickeners, as manufacturers seek ways to improve product consistency without compromising on taste or quality.

Food & Beverages Industry is Largest End-Use Industry Owing to Widespread Applications

The food & beverages industry is the largest end-use industry for food thickeners, accounting for a substantial share of the market. Food thickeners are widely used in the production of processed foods, beverages, and convenience foods to enhance texture, improve viscosity, and ensure product stability. This industry includes a broad range of applications, from sauces and dressings to beverages, soups, and ready-to-eat meals. The increasing demand for high-quality, texture-enhanced products has significantly contributed to the growing need for food thickeners.

The food & beverages sector continues to be driven by the rising consumer demand for processed, packaged, and convenience foods. The shift toward healthier eating habits and the preference for clean-label, natural products are further fueling the market for food thickeners. The growth in the ready-to-drink beverage market, including smoothies, juices, and plant-based drinks, is also accelerating the demand for thickeners to improve the mouthfeel and texture of these products.

Asia Pacific is Fastest Growing Region Owing to Rising Consumer Demand for Processed Foods

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the global food thickeners market, driven by the increasing demand for processed and convenience foods. As the middle-class population expands in countries like China, India, and Japan, there is a growing demand for packaged foods and beverages, which require thickeners for enhanced texture and quality. Additionally, the rise in disposable income and changing lifestyles are contributing to the shift towards processed and ready-to-eat meals, further boosting the demand for food thickeners.

The expanding food and beverage industry in this region, along with a growing preference for functional and fortified food products, is expected to fuel the market for food thickeners. The rapid adoption of Western-style eating habits, combined with increasing urbanization and industrialization, is driving the market growth in Asia Pacific. This region's dynamic food culture, which embraces both traditional and modern food processing methods, continues to present vast opportunities for food thickener manufacturers.

Competitive Landscape and Leading Companies

The food thickeners market is competitive, with several prominent companies striving to enhance their market positions through innovation and product diversification. Key players in the market include Cargill, Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, and Tate & Lyle. These companies are focusing on developing natural, clean-label, and functional food thickeners to meet the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food ingredients.

The competitive landscape also includes regional players who are expanding their product portfolios to cater to local tastes and preferences. To stay ahead, leading companies are investing in research and development to create thickeners with improved functionality and lower environmental impact. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are common strategies for these companies to enhance their global presence and broaden their product offerings. As consumer demand for healthier and more natural food products continues to rise, the market is expected to see increased innovation and competition, driving the growth of the food thickeners market.

Recent Developments:

  • Cargill, Inc. launched a new plant-based thickener to cater to the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian food products, offering a clean label solution for food manufacturers.
  • Ingredion Incorporated announced the acquisition of a new starch manufacturing facility to expand its portfolio of food thickeners, focusing on improving its global reach.
  • Kerry Group introduced a new range of hydrocolloid thickeners designed to enhance the texture of dairy-based beverages, responding to consumer demand for clean-label options.
  • Tate & Lyle PLC completed an expansion of its production capabilities for hydrocolloid-based thickeners, boosting supply for the growing demand in emerging markets.
  • DuPont acquired a leading firm specializing in natural thickeners to enhance its portfolio and support the growing preference for clean-label food ingredients.

List of Leading Companies:

  • Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
  • Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
  • BASF SE
  • Cargill, Inc.
  • CP Kelco
  • Dow Chemical Company
  • DSM Nutritional Products
  • DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
  • Glanbia PLC
  • Ingredion Incorporated
  • Kerry Group
  • Lonza Group
  • MGP Ingredients, Inc.
  • Royal DSM
  • Tate & Lyle PLC

Report Scope:

Report Features

Description

Market Size (2023)

USD 11.6 Billion

Forecasted Value (2030)

USD 18.5 Billion

CAGR (2024 – 2030)

6.9%

Base Year for Estimation

2023

Historic Year

2022

Forecast Period

2024 – 2030

Report Coverage

Market Forecast, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Recent Developments

Segments Covered

Food Thickeners Market by Type (Starch-Based Thickeners, Gelatin-Based Thickeners, Gums & Resins, Agar-Agar, Pectin, Xanthan Gum), by Source (Plant-Based, Animal-Based), by Application (Dairy Products, Beverages, Sauces & Dressings, Soups & Broths, Others), by End-Use Industry (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals)

Regional Analysis

North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East & Africa)

Major Companies

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Ashland Global Holdings Inc., BASF SE, Cargill, Inc., CP Kelco, Dow Chemical Company, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Glanbia PLC, Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Group, Lonza Group, MGP Ingredients, Inc. and Tate & Lyle PLC

Customization Scope

Customization for segments, region/country-level will be provided. Moreover, additional customization can be done based on the requirements

1. Introduction

   1.1. Market Definition

   1.2. Scope of the Study

   1.3. Research Assumptions

   1.4. Study Limitations

2. Research Methodology

   2.1. Research Approach

      2.1.1. Top-Down Method

      2.1.2. Bottom-Up Method

      2.1.3. Factor Impact Analysis

  2.2. Insights & Data Collection Process

      2.2.1. Secondary Research

      2.2.2. Primary Research

   2.3. Data Mining Process

      2.3.1. Data Analysis

      2.3.2. Data Validation and Revalidation

      2.3.3. Data Triangulation

3. Executive Summary

   3.1. Major Markets & Segments

   3.2. Highest Growing Regions and Respective Countries

   3.3. Impact of Growth Drivers & Inhibitors

   3.4. Regulatory Overview by Country

4. Food Thickeners Market, by Type (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030)

   4.1. Starch-Based Thickeners

   4.2. Gelatin-Based Thickeners

   4.3. Gums & Resins

   4.4. Agar-Agar

   4.5. Pectin

   4.6. Xanthan Gum

5. Food Thickeners Market, by Source (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030)

   5.1. Plant-Based

   5.2. Animal-Based

6. Food Thickeners Market, by Application (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030)

   6.1. Dairy Products

   6.2. Beverages

   6.3. Sauces & Dressings

   6.4. Soups & Broths

   6.5. Others

7. Food Thickeners Market, by End-Use Industry (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030)

   7.1. Food & Beverages

   7.2. Pharmaceuticals

   7.3. Nutraceuticals

8. Regional Analysis (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030)

   8.1. Regional Overview

   8.2. North America

      8.2.1. Regional Trends & Growth Drivers

      8.2.2. Barriers & Challenges

      8.2.3. Opportunities

      8.2.4. Factor Impact Analysis

      8.2.5. Technology Trends

      8.2.6. North America Food Thickeners Market, by Type

      8.2.7. North America Food Thickeners Market, by Source

      8.2.8. North America Food Thickeners Market, by Application

      8.2.9. North America Food Thickeners Market, by End-Use Industry

      8.2.10. By Country

         8.2.10.1. US

               8.2.10.1.1. US Food Thickeners Market, by Type

               8.2.10.1.2. US Food Thickeners Market, by Source

               8.2.10.1.3. US Food Thickeners Market, by Application

               8.2.10.1.4. US Food Thickeners Market, by End-Use Industry

         8.2.10.2. Canada

         8.2.10.3. Mexico

    *Similar segmentation will be provided for each region and country

   8.3. Europe

   8.4. Asia-Pacific

   8.5. Latin America

   8.6. Middle East & Africa

9. Competitive Landscape

   9.1. Overview of the Key Players

   9.2. Competitive Ecosystem

      9.2.1. Level of Fragmentation

      9.2.2. Market Consolidation

      9.2.3. Product Innovation

   9.3. Company Share Analysis

   9.4. Company Benchmarking Matrix

      9.4.1. Strategic Overview

      9.4.2. Product Innovations

   9.5. Start-up Ecosystem

   9.6. Strategic Competitive Insights/ Customer Imperatives

   9.7. ESG Matrix/ Sustainability Matrix

   9.8. Manufacturing Network

      9.8.1. Locations

      9.8.2. Supply Chain and Logistics

      9.8.3. Product Flexibility/Customization

      9.8.4. Digital Transformation and Connectivity

      9.8.5. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

   9.9. Technology Readiness Level Matrix

   9.10. Technology Maturity Curve

   9.11. Buying Criteria

10. Company Profiles

   10.1. Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)

      10.1.1. Company Overview

      10.1.2. Company Financials

      10.1.3. Product/Service Portfolio

      10.1.4. Recent Developments

      10.1.5. IMR Analysis

    *Similar information will be provided for other companies 

   10.2. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

   10.3. BASF SE

   10.4. Cargill, Inc.

   10.5. CP Kelco

   10.6. Dow Chemical Company

   10.7. DSM Nutritional Products

   10.8. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

   10.9. Glanbia PLC

   10.10. Ingredion Incorporated

   10.11. Kerry Group

   10.12. Lonza Group

   10.13. MGP Ingredients, Inc.

   10.14. Royal DSM

   10.15. Tate & Lyle PLC

11. Appendix

A comprehensive market research approach was employed to gather and analyze data on the Food Thickeners Market. In the process, the analysis was also done to analyze the parent market and relevant adjacencies to measure the impact of them on the Food Thickeners Market. The research methodology encompassed both secondary and primary research techniques, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the findings.

Research Approach -

Secondary Research

Secondary research involved a thorough review of pertinent industry reports, journals, articles, and publications. Additionally, annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of industry players were scrutinized to gain insights into their market positioning and strategies.

Primary Research

Primary research involved conducting in-depth interviews with industry experts, stakeholders, and market participants across the E-Waste Management ecosystem. The primary research objectives included:

  • Validating findings and assumptions derived from secondary research
  • Gathering qualitative and quantitative data on market trends, drivers, and challenges
  • Understanding the demand-side dynamics, encompassing end-users, component manufacturers, facility providers, and service providers
  • Assessing the supply-side landscape, including technological advancements and recent developments

Market Size Assessment

A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches was utilized to analyze the overall size of the Food Thickeners Market. These methods were also employed to assess the size of various subsegments within the market. The market size assessment methodology encompassed the following steps:

  1. Identification of key industry players and relevant revenues through extensive secondary research
  2. Determination of the industry's supply chain and market size, in terms of value, through primary and secondary research processes
  3. Calculation of percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns using secondary sources and verification through primary sources

Bottom Up and Top Down -

Data Triangulation

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the market size, data triangulation was implemented. This involved cross-referencing data from various sources, including demand and supply side factors, market trends, and expert opinions. Additionally, top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to validate the market size assessment.

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